Barry ‘Nugget’ Rees – The Darling of Adelaide Oval
In 1962, Eighteen years old Barry Rees was appointed by iconic David Rowe and Barry Jarman in their Adelaide sports store to sweep floors and run messages. Barry had a learning disability but his love for cricket was unquestionable. Jarman soon realized Barry’s passion for cricket and started inviting him to watch the South Australian games at Adelaide Oval. Barry soon became popular among Redbacks players and staff. He earned his nickname ‘Nugget’ after his hero Keith ‘Nugget’ Miller.
Embed from Getty ImagesBarry has been part of Australian dressing room since Chappell days. He receives the Australian jersey as well. Barry stood with the captains for the National Anthem many occasions. He delivers motivational speech before every game and carries the legacy forward generation after generation.
Embed from Getty ImagesBarry was an usher at Sir Donald Bradman’s funeral. He carried the drinks for Steve Waugh in his last Test match at Sydney. Dennis Lillee recalls, “You’d come off the field and you’re bleeding from your toes and Nugget would take your shoes off for you, have a cold drink ready and you could have a great joke with him”.
Barry ‘Nugget’ Rees is not just a cricket icon but very much a fairytale. He is an integral part of Australian as well as South Australian cricket for more than 50 years. The South Australian cricket association named the players viewing room after him.
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Featured Image Credit: Normangerman – CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized as per the need)